Rachel Oag, Marketing Coordinator at bed manufacturer Highland Blindcraft, celebrates an historic milestone after reaching its 145th anniversary year.
Highland BlindCraft, originally known as the Northern Counties Institute for the Blind, began life in 1881 as a school for blind children, at a time when there were very few opportunities available for people with sight loss. As times changed, the organisation evolved too.
The focus gradually moved from education into practical skills and employment, with workshops producing items such as mattresses and soft furnishings. This shift was about creating meaningful, paid work rather than just training, something that has remained central to what the social enterprise and registered charity does today.
“We were not alone in making that transition,” Rachel reveals. “There were other similar schools and workshops across the UK that followed a similar path. Unfortunately, many of them have closed over the years due to funding pressures and changing policy. Remaining sustainable while staying true to our purpose has been one of our biggest, most rewarding challenges.
“Over time, our machinery, materials and product range have modernised, but if you were to look at archive photographs from decades ago and then step into our factory today, you would still recognise the same craft at work. The tools may be different, but the care and skill involved in making each mattress remain consistent.”
It’s that consistency that has been a key ingredient to its long-serving history. The company marked 145 years on 24th March 2026 and celebrated by reflecting, sharing stories and highlighting long-serving staff members and customers. The bigger celebration is earmarked for 2031, where the major milestone of 150 years will be achieved.
For now, Rachel remains “incredibly proud” of another significant moment in its timeline, praising the people behind the business. “Our staff are at the centre of everything we do. Many have stayed with us for decades, building not just skills but long-term careers. That continuity has been vital.
“We employ 34 staff, 24 of whom have diverse abilities, including sight loss, learning difficulties and neurodivergence. We aim to provide a supportive and inclusive working environment, with flexible working patterns, training and genuine opportunities to progress. Many of our managers started on the factory floor and have grown into leadership roles over time. Several members of staff have worked with us for decades, including one gentleman who recently retired after 47 years’ service.
“We’ve also benefited from strong local loyalty. Some families have bought their beds from us throughout their lives, from a first mattress to adjustable beds later on. That level of trust, alongside a commitment to adapting when needed, has helped us remain relevant for 145 years.”
Operating from its factory and showroom on Ardconnel Street in Inverness, Highland Blindcraft manufacturers beds and mattresses for both retail and trade customers. Alongside this, it provides sight loss services – funded by NHS Highland and the dual sensory services by Comhairle nan Eilen Siar (Western Isles Council), delivered through drop-in centres, home visits and outreach across the Highlands and Western Isles.
The two parts of the organisation support one another; with every bed it sells helps sustain local employment and contributes towards essential sensory services in rural communities. Over the past 12 months, Rachel said it has been “steady” despite ongoing challenges impacting all businesses. “We’ve seen a rise in loyal returning customers and have also welcomed new trade clients, including Balfour Beatty, who placed orders for mattresses.
“We’ve also continued to work with valued hospitality partners including Highland Coast Hotels and Skibo Castle, supplying beds that reflect the quality and durability expected within the sector. Retail remains challenging, as it is for many businesses.
“Competition is strong, particularly when lower-cost products are widely available. Our beds are made to last and we use UK-made, natural materials wherever possible. We operate ethically, including paying the Real Living Wage, and that does come with cost.
“We continue to work on shifting the perception that charity means cheap. What we offer is quality, longevity and social value, and more customers are beginning to understand that.”
Rachel added that the organisation is seeing more customers keeping their mattresses for longer. “While the recommended lifespan is around eight to 10 years, many people are now holding onto mattresses for 12 years or more due to the cost of replacement. Although a mattress may appear fine, there are real health benefits to replacing it regularly.
“We’re also noticing a stronger interest in social value and local support. Customers want to know where products are made and whether their purchase makes a difference. Being able to show that our beds are handcrafted locally, by a skilled and diverse workforce, is increasingly important.”
Looking ahead, Highland Blindcraft are busy developing new product launches, organising a range of fundraising events – including afternoon teas, comedy nights and golf days, while beginning to set initial preparations for its 150th anniversary year.
“Reaching 145 years feels like a good moment to pause and reflect, not just on how long Highland BlindCraft has been here, but on why we continue to exist,” Rachel said. “We are proud to still be manufacturing beds and mattresses in the Highlands, providing skilled employment and delivering essential sight loss services at a time when many similar organisations have disappeared.
“The fact that people continue to choose us, whether as customers, staff or supporters, is something we don’t take lightly. As we look ahead to our 150th anniversary, our focus remains on doing what we’ve always done: making quality products, creating meaningful work and supporting people to live independently following sight loss.”
